All courses, craft kits and handcrafted gifts in South West

COVID UPDATE - 24th Feb, 2021: Further to Government announcements on 22nd February we are pleased to confirm we will be re-opening Vlakvark Forge for 1 Day, Weekend and Axe Making Experiences from Saturday, 17th April. We are limiting the number of attendees to 6 for the time being as this allows for good social distancing within the forge. We will have doors and windows open as required for good ventilation so perhaps wear a few layers when you come if the weather doesn’t look so good. Can you handle...

Painting with molten beeswax, damar resin and pigments is just SO satisfying. Spend a day with Lyn Kirkland in her Studio on the beautiful Isle of Portland in Dorset. This unusual and dramatic coastal location offers so much inspiration for my work, and I hope will inspire you too. I will share my knowledge and skills developed over several years experience of working with this ancient Egyptian painting medium. Still relatively unknown in the UK and across Europe, and yet so mesmerising. Working on a wood panel, I will give...

Take inspiration from the 16th century mill and its peaceful surroundings on the River Stour in North Dorset. Set in water meadows and surrounded by trees, it has hardly changed since Thomas Hardy, who lived across the fields ,often visited it over 100 years ago. Working from patterns or your own sketches if preferred, you will be shown the various stages used to build up a landscape incorporating the layering techniques that I have developed and my own techniques of using colour and texture to create depth. No specific sewing...

These 1-day courses in green woodworking cover the properties of green wood, cleaving techniques and production of simple craft objects created from a greenwood log using traditional hand tools such as draw-knives and pole lathes. Anything you make during the day will be yours to take home and may include items such as spoons, spatulas, rolling-pin or a wooden mallet. This course is most suited to anyone wishing to have a go at some green woodwork, with absolutely no previous knowledge or skills required. This is a great taster day...

Learn the techniques that I have developed and use in making my still life textile work. Make your own patterns from favourite objects that you bring along (or from objects in my collection), working with painted and printed fabrics, layered and stitched in place to create vibrant and intricate arrangements. As in my landscape courses, no specific sewing skills or sophisticated machines are necessary but please bring a machine, scissors, fabrics that particularly inspire you(I will also have a good supply of fabric available) and, of course, items that you...

Welcome to the magical world of automata, the perfect synthesis between craftsmanship, engineering and artistic expression. At the beginning of this one-day, face-to-face course you will learn some basic theories about the most common mechanisms used in mechanical toys and their different building techniques. Based on a design provided by the tutor, each student (maximum 2 participants per course) will then start building a one-shaft toy, drawing and cutting cams, cranks and mechanisms, using different type of wood and a vast range of tools available in my workshop (band saw,...

Using your hands and fingers and some chunky yarn, create a fab woolly wreath. Once you have purchased the workshop, I will send you a message so you can select your wreath yarn colour and co-ordinating bow. I will then send you, by post giant chunky acrylic, Woolly Mahoosive yarn and a wire frame to create a wreath for your home. You will also receive a password to the online tutorial videos. All you will need is a pair of scissors and your hands and fingers to do the knitting!...

Learn the basics of needle felting and make a hare, or other animal. You will be shown how to make a wire armature for your model, how to form the structure and apply the wool, add features ... and ears! Course is suitable for absolute beginners - don't be afraid to have a go! The course is held at Crispin Hall, Street, Somerset in a private room, which is located up a short flight of stairs. Please note that Furzie cannot be held responsible for accommodation costs if the course...

Welcome to the magical world of automata, the perfect synthesis between craftsmanship, engineering and artistic expression. At the beginning of this one-day, face-to-face course you will learn some basic theories about the most common mechanisms used in mechanical toys and their different building techniques. Based on a design provided by the tutor, each student (maximum 2 participants per course) will then start building one-shaft toy, drawing and cutting cams, cranks and mechanisms, using different type of wood and a vast range of tools available in my workshop (band saw, belt...

This is a one day workshop for one person. On the Silver Jewellery taster day you will be able to get a feel what it is like to work with silver. We will use silver sheet and wire to form shapes for pendants, bangles and rings. You will learn about soldering, and using the piercing saw to cut out your designs. By the end of the day, you will have a finished piece of jewellery to wear and enjoy. The cost of materials will be approximately £20 paid to the...